An Oldham woman has been making a major impact in the community by delivering bilingual courses to help residents develop skills.

Nadia Hussain, from Oldham, delivers the Making Better Choices and Budgeting class as part the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Multiply scheme.

The scheme delivers a range of projects to residents with a view of them progressing onto further learning such as maths qualifications.

The Making Better Choices and Budgeting class is aimed at helping residents in Oldham with essential skills for managing the cost-of-living crisis, job searching, application skills, and budgeting.

Ms Hussain, 41, realised that learners, predominantly from the local Pakistani community, were experiencing language barriers leading them to prematurely disengage with the programme.

Since November 2023, she has supported residents with budgeting and numeracy confidence as part of a trial delivering the course content in Urdu and Punjabi.

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Ms Hussain said: “In the past few months of running the courses, we've achieved a 100 per cent attendance rate. Delivering the course in learners’ native language alongside English allows them to fully benefit while also providing them with a comfortable space to practise their English skills.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants eager for the next course and enquiring about further learning opportunities.

“The concept of ‘maths skills’ can be daunting for many individuals, but the Making Better Choices and Budgeting course is designed to help learners become more confident using numbers effectively in daily life, whether at home or work.”

Learner Majida Shaheen, 42, from Oldham, said: "I've learned budgeting skills that allow me to better manage my household finances and help my kids with their homework. Connecting with other women in my community through this course has also been very beneficial."

Nazia Azeem, 48, and Mehsiwsh Rani, 33, both from Oldham, said the course being taught in their native language had helped their understanding and confidence.

The Multiply scheme was launched in March last year and is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as it aims to equip residents with essential life skills, build confidence with numbers and gain a qualification in maths or numeracy.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s Lead for Technical Education and Skills, said: “The significance of delivering Multiply courses in Urdu and Punjabi extends far beyond language inclusion.

“It’s about breaking down barriers to education and skill development, ensuring accessibility for all backgrounds.”

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